Reflections and Musings from an Art School Dropout

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Monthly Archives: March 2012

Since the release of the dream pop duo’s third and most critically acclaimed album “Teen Dream” in 2010 (they got somewhat pissed off with Katy Perry for releasing a similarly titled album the same year) they’ve been pretty quiet. Last week a tentative title “Bloom” and a 10-song track list was posted on Exclaim – A few hours later it was taken down. But at the beginning of the week saw these rumours actually hold some weight to them.

Beach House posted a new song on their website entitled “Myth”. Though the track list hasn’t been officially announced yet and “Bloom” may or may not be the title, Beach House fans get excited because the new song is brilliant. Admittedly, sonically it’s pretty standard Beach House fair with the woozy synth’s and Victoria Legrand’s dreamy vocals senerading your ears.

The good news is that the band are releasing new music. Will “Bloom” surpass the beauty of “Teen Dream”? we’ll just have to wait. “Bloom” is reportedly being released on 12th May through Sub Pop. Watch this space.

The kooky Russian is back with the first single from her forthcoming sixth album “What We Saw from the Cheap Seats”. Teaming up with super producer Mike Elizondo who has worked with the likes of Dr. Dre, 50 Cent and Fiona Apple.”All the Rowboats” is a beefed-up version of the song that Spektor has been playing live for the last few years. The song has a slightly more electronic feel to it blended with Spektor’s usual eccentric piano playing. For those who enjoyed her breakout album “Begin to Hope” there is no reason why this won’t appeal to you. Recommended

It’s been 8 years since Lanegan has released solo material. After successful collaborations with Isobel Campbell, The Gutter Twins and Soulsavers. Lanegan is back doing what he does best. The Gravedigger’s Song is an atmospheric, drum-heavy song that shows off Lanegan’s keen sense of self-assurance and his uncanny way of telling an incredible story. People who are unfamiliar with Mark Lanegan should listen to his amazing 2004 album Bubblegum and his collaborations with Isobel Campbell and those who like Tom Waits and Nice Cave – this is right up your alley. Recommended

oOoOO have released a few sonically hypnotic EPs that have that “listen to after a night out” kind of quality to them. No quite hip-hop and not quite house but with a dash of goth rock. Fan’s have dubbed their sound has “witch house” which is pretty accurate. NoWayBack is the first song lifted from their upcoming EP “Our Loving is Killing Us”. Admittedly this song is no different from their other songs what with it’s lazy synths, programmed drums and woozy, unintelligible lyrics, but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. The song is perfect for travelling on the train at night, lots of atmosphere and reverb – lovely. ps. the artwork is stunning. Recommended